The experiences have been both challenging and rewarding, but not without revealing a deeper, systemic issue that would steer my path forward.

During my years working with the military, a troubling pattern emerged: a cycle of preventable injuries and a pervasive sense of frustration and hopelessness among the service members and first responders I worked with. Many were reluctant to seek medical help, driven by fears of career repercussions, being perceived as weak, or facing negative backlash. Regrettably, by the time some decided to seek help, their conditions had not only become chronic but had also multiplied, leaving them facing a constellation of physical impairments. This delay in seeking care meant that members were now more compromised than ever, facing a daunting path to recovery that required significant time and effort in the clinic to address the myriad of issues, profoundly diminishing their quality of life.

In 2023, a pivotal realization catalyzed a transformative shift in my career, steering me towards a new path in starting Venture Out Wellness and leaving my clinical career behind me. I had seen and heard enough; I could no longer continue waiting in the clinic for frontline defenders to come to me for help. I realized I would need to step into a more proactive role and not only venture out to help them, but equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary for self-managed pain relief, thereby dismantling the barriers to seeking medical help.  

This journey, fueled by a profound sense of purpose, is dedicated to addressing a critical dilemma that plagues our frontline defenders: the harsh choice between inadequate medical resources and the silence borne out of fear and stress. Having witnessed this challenge in clinics and hospitals globally throughout my career, I am now poised to make my most significant impact by empowering these heroes on a grander scale.  This initiative not only aims to reduce the risk of injury and chronic pain but also to enhance operational readiness and elevate the quality of life for our frontline defenders, setting the stage for a healthier, more active post-service life.

Join me on this transformative journey with Venture Out Wellness, where service members and first responders are empowered to take control of their health, ensuring they are as strong and resilient as the communities they protect. Together, we can build a future where every guardian of peace is also a guardian of their own well-being.